Obama's day: A student film festival (and politics)

Feb. 28, 2014
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President Obama / Pablo Martinez Monsivais, AP

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

President Obama pays tribute Friday to both the art of film and the art of politics.

After hosting the inaugural White House Student Film Festival in the afternoon, President Obama talks about the upcoming congressional elections in remarks to the Democratic National Committee.

The film festival, featuring the videos of students who won a national competition, is designed to underscore Obama's pledge to get high-speed Internet and other technology into the nation's classrooms.

The students' short films focus on how technology is used in their classrooms, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math education.

"The president will deliver remarks on his ConnectED goal of transforming American education by connecting 99% of students to next-generation broadband and wireless technology within five years," the White House says.

In the late afternoon, Obama will both speak at a Democratic National Committee meeting and attend a DNC fundraiser.